Judo Grand Prix Qingdao

Victor Penalber celebrated his third gold medal of the season following a stunning victory in the men’s under 81 kilo category on the second day of the Judo Grand Prix in Qingdao, China.

Penalber slowly but surely increased the pressure on his Russian opponent Murat Khabachirov as the final progressed and his wave of attacks finally paid off when he followed a no-score swiping technic with a strangulation move that forced Khabachirov to tap the floor in submission.

Not all went Brazil’s way on the day though as Fei Chen of China beat Maria Portela to claim the women’s under 70 kilo weight class.

Both Judokas were penalised once for passivity in a tightly fought contest that needed a golden score – or extra time – to settle matters. One minute into the extra time Chen took advantage on a counter attack to dominate Portela and eventually throw her on her back, with force, speed and control for a perfect ippon.